cheap work force

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "cheap work force" is correct and usable in written English.
It's generally used to refer to a large group of workers available at a low cost. For example, "Many companies are relocating to developing countries to take advantage of the cheap work force."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

China's relatively cheap work force.

The New York Times

The welcome that China is offering to multinational companies and foreign investment has left many Western business executives so critical of a closed Japan more than a decade ago, enthusiastically embracing China, its cheap work force and its huge markets.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

Waiting with its own well-educated, disciplined but much cheaper work force was Vietnam.

The New York Times

China is not home to the cheapest work force in the world.

The New York Times - Magazine

Ms. Canic added, "He used to brag that he had the cheapest work force in town".

The New York Times

It is in Rockford that Fishman illustrates another of his central arguments: aging populations and globalization make it easier for companies to ­engage in "age arbitrage," trading in their old employees for a younger, cheaper work force elsewhere.

The New York Times - Books

China is also attracted by the strategic and commercial opportunities in North Korea, namely raw materials, an even cheaper work force than its own, and access to one of Asia's northern-most ice-free ports on the Sea of Japan.

The New York Times

The government said the growth of investment from Japan in China also slowed, growing 16 percent in the first eight months of the year compared with a 50 percent rise in the same period last year as Japanese companies seek out countries with even cheaper work forces and less-touchy diplomatic relations.

The New York Times

Unspoken is the fact that a distribution system like this depends on a cheap migrant work force flooding into the major cities from poorer provinces, and working for as little as 36 cents an hour.

The New York Times

Recent years have been especially good for this repellent bottom-feeding thanks to weak and indifferent government enforcement of workers' rights and a darkening political climate against illegal immigrants — the backbone of the cheap, disposable work force.

The New York Times

Yet to those, like Judge Clemon, a civil rights foot soldier who fought Bull Connor and George Wallace, the common thread between then and now — the threat of racial profiling and the abuse of a cheap, exploited work force — is obvious, as is the racism driving the law.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "cheap work force", consider the ethical implications and potential negative connotations associated with it. Frame your writing to acknowledge the workers' value and contributions, rather than solely focusing on the cost savings.

Common error

Avoid language that dehumanizes or devalues workers by focusing solely on their low cost. Emphasize fair treatment and ethical labor practices even when discussing cost-effectiveness.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "cheap work force" functions primarily as a noun phrase that is modified by the adjective "cheap". It identifies a group of workers distinguished by their low cost of employment. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, the phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Formal & Business

30%

Science

20%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "cheap work force" refers to a readily available group of workers who can be employed at a low cost. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is grammatically correct and usable in written English. While common in economic and business contexts, particularly in News & Media, it's essential to consider the ethical implications of the term. Alternative phrases like "low-cost labor pool" or "affordable labor source" can sometimes offer a more nuanced perspective. When writing about this topic, prioritize language that respects worker contributions and promote ethical labor practices, as overemphasizing cost savings may inadvertently devalue the workforce.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

low-cost labor pool

Focuses on the availability of labor at a reduced cost.

affordable labor source

Highlights the affordability aspect of the workforce.

inexpensive employee base

Emphasizes the lower cost of employing this group.

economical workforce option

Presents the workforce as a cost-saving choice.

budget-friendly labor

Directly relates to staying within a budget.

reduced-wage employees

Highlights the lower wages earned by the employees.

cost-effective human resources

Framing as a strategic human resources decision.

lower-paid staff

Simple term for workers earning less than average.

discounted labor resources

Implies a reduction in typical labor costs.

low overhead personnel

Connects to reducing operational expenses.

FAQs

What does "cheap work force" mean?

The term "cheap work force" refers to a group of workers who are available for employment at a relatively low cost, often due to factors such as economic conditions, lack of alternative opportunities, or lower living expenses in the region.

What are some alternative ways to say "cheap work force"?

Depending on the context, you could use phrases like "affordable labor source", "low-cost labor pool", or "economical workforce option" to convey a similar meaning while avoiding potential negative connotations.

Is it ethical to talk about a "cheap work force"?

While the term "cheap work force" is commonly used in economic discussions, it's important to be mindful of the ethical implications. Consider focusing on the value and contributions of workers, rather than solely emphasizing their low cost, to avoid potentially dehumanizing language.

How does globalization affect the availability of a "cheap work force"?

Globalization has made it easier for companies to access work forces in different countries, potentially driving down labor costs in some regions and creating competition for jobs. This can lead to discussions about "cheap work forces" and their impact on local economies and worker rights.